Question 1

How does chartering a boat with Le Rotte di Portolano work?

Accepted Answer

Tell us where you'd like to sail, how many people and when. Our team selects suitable boats from over 250 yachts and sends you a personalised quote, with dedicated support before and during your holiday.

Question 2

What's the difference between a skippered charter, bareboat and a cabin cruise?

Accepted Answer

With a bareboat charter you rent the whole boat and skipper it yourself (a licence is required). You can add a skipper, which is usually an extra. With a cabin cruise you book just your cabin and share the boat and itinerary with other guests.

Question 3

Do I need a boating licence?

Accepted Answer

For a bareboat charter (without crew) yes, you need a skipper's licence. Alternatively you can add a professional skipper, normally available as an extra. No licence is required for cabin cruises.

Question 4

How many people can a boat accommodate?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the boat: typically 6 to 12 people across sailing yachts, catamarans and gulets. When we prepare your quote we suggest boats with the right capacity for your group.

Question 5

How much does it cost to charter a boat?

Accepted Answer

Prices vary a lot from one offer to another: they depend on the type and size of the boat, the season, the duration, the destination and the extras (such as skipper, fuel and services). That's why we prepare a personalised quote for every request.

Question 6

What's included in the price and what is extra?

Accepted Answer

The base price covers the charter of the boat for the chosen period. Items such as skipper, fuel, provisioning, mooring fees and final cleaning are usually extra and vary by offer: your quote always shows clearly what's included and what needs to be added.

Question 7

How long is the charter?

Accepted Answer

Our offers are weekly, from Saturday to Saturday, for 1, 2 or 3 weeks. We don't offer shorter formats: one week is the minimum charter period.

Question 8

How do I book and how does payment work?

Accepted Answer

You send a request, receive a tailor-made quote and confirm. No deposit is required on confirmation: payment is made in instalments with set deadlines, to be paid in full before departure.

Question 9

Where are you based and how can I contact you?

Accepted Answer

Le Rotte di Portolano is based in Lecce, Italy. You can reach us at +39 0832 314 800 or booking@rottediportolano.com for any information or to request a quote.

Question 10

What is a cabin cruise?

Accepted Answer

It's a sailing holiday where you book a single cabin rather than the whole boat: you share the boat and the itinerary with other guests, each with their own cabin. It's the ideal way to enjoy the sea as a couple or on your own, without chartering the entire boat.

Question 11

Is it suitable for couples or solo travellers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A cabin cruise is designed exactly for couples, solo travellers and small groups: you book the cabin you need and share the common areas with the other guests on board.

Question 12

What's the difference between a cabin cruise and a private charter?

Accepted Answer

With a private charter you rent the entire boat exclusively for your group. With a cabin cruise you book only your cabin and share the trip with other guests: a more sociable and affordable option.

Question 13

What kind of boats are the cruises on?

Accepted Answer

Cabin cruises usually take place on gulets and spacious boats, with dedicated cabins and large common areas, perfect for sharing the journey in good company.

Question 14

How do I choose the date and destination of the cruise?

Accepted Answer

You search available cruises by date and destination directly on the site; our team helps you choose the best departure and sends you a personalised quote.

Question 15

How much does a cabin cruise cost and what's included?

Accepted Answer

The price is per person and varies depending on the boat, destination, period and duration; extras (such as some meals, fuel or onboard services) depend on the offer. We always send a detailed quote with everything that's included.

Question 16

What are the sailing areas?

Accepted Answer

We operate throughout the Mediterranean — Sardinia, Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, Tuscany and the Pontine Islands, Puglia, Croatia, Greece, the Balearics — and also organise charters in more distant destinations such as the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean.

Question 17

When is the best season to sail in the Mediterranean?

Accepted Answer

The season runs from May to October. June and September offer ideal weather, a warm sea and fewer crowds; July and August are the peak months, livelier and to be booked well in advance.

Question 18

Can I customise the itinerary?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our itineraries are tailor-made: we build the route around your preferences — coves, ports, stops and sailing pace — with the support of our team.

Question 19

Which destination is best for a first time, for families or for couples?

Accepted Answer

For a first experience and for families we recommend sheltered areas with plenty of anchorages, such as Sardinia or Croatia; for couples, more intimate spots like the Aeolian or the Greek islands. We guide you to the best choice when preparing your quote.

Question 20

How much sailing is there each day and what is a typical day like?

Accepted Answer

You usually sail just a few hours a day, alternating passages, stops in coves for a swim and evenings in port or at anchor. The pace is flexible and adapts to the group and the chosen route.

Frequently asked questions

Charter & boat rental

Cabin cruises

Destinations & sailing